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Come on and join author Melissa Bradley as she sets off on her latest adventure...

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If you are not 18, please exit stage left. While there is normally nothing naughty here, I do write and review erotica so there are links to spicy stuff and the occasional heated excerpt.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Captain Ninja Alex: The Interview

I am so excited Imaginarians, today I am kicking off my 2 day birthday festivities and I have the coolest ninja ever, the captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh. (Cue the Kermit the Frog yays)He agreed to be interviewed by yours truly and I could not have been more pleased. Though he is our captain and friend, here's a little about Alex you may or may not know and of course I tried to dig out what I could in the interview.

Alex has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. (yay for literacy!)A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Currently he lives in the Carolinas with his wife. And now, the Interview.

When did you know that you wanted to be a writer? Who are some of your major influences?

I wrote some as a teen, although it was never my goal to be an author. I’ve always enjoyed Terry Brooks, Preston & Child, and Timothy Zahn. When I found the original version of CassaStar a few years ago, I realized that while the storyline sucked the characters were strong. I decided to go for it and rewrote the entire story.

Cassastar and its soon-to-be-released sequel, Cassafire, are space opera adventures. What was the inspiration behind them? Any plans to make them into a trilogy?

They were inspired by hours of TV and movie watching! I dug Star Wars and Battlestar Galactica, and I envisioned my own space adventures. Everyone expects a trilogy, but I’m not sure it will happen. I never planned more than one book anyway!

Have you ever thought about writing more hard science based fiction?

My job involves a lot of technical work, and I write to escape. So I doubt I’ll ever dump a lot of hard tech or science into my writing.

What has surprised you most about the business side of writing?

The promotional aspect was more than I expected. And I guess I never really thought about the multitude of strangers who’d read my book. (Yes, when CassaStar shot onto Amazon’s Best Seller chart I rather freaked!)

I know you play guitar and are a film buff, what are some of your other passions and pursuits? Any that might surprise your Ninja Army?

Despite all of my geekness, I’m also a big sports fan. Football, hockey, basketball - I enjoy watching and attending sports games.


If you could take any character from Cassastar or Cassafire out to show off our little rock here, who would it be? Where would you go, what would you do?

No question I’d select Athee! (After all, she looks like Kate Beckinsale.) She has a fascination with fighter planes, so I imagine I’d be showing off some of our best military jets. Actually, Athee is really feisty and tends to get her way, so I’d probably take her wherever she wanted to go. (Did I mention she looks like Kate Beckinsale?)

Music or silence when you’re at your computer, steeped in the world of your creation?

Music! I write while rocking out to the likes of In Flames, Dream Theater, Rush, Shadows Fall, etc. Music sets the mood for me.

What was the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?

Don’t overthink it - just write!

Thanks so much, Melissa - you’re awesome!

Aww... thanks Alex. :) Now for more about Alex and his fantastic stories, you can go to his blog or follow him on Twitter.

CassaStar by Alex J. Cavanaugh
6x9 Trade paperback, 246 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9816210-6-7 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-3-8 $2.99

CassaFire by Alex J. Cavanaugh
Available February 28, 2012
6x9 Trade paperback, 240 pages, Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C.
Science fiction - space opera/adventure
Print ISBN 978-0-9827139-4-5 $15.95
EBook ISBN 978-0-9827139-6-9 $4.99

And for a treat, here is the book trailer for CassaFire, dropping February 28, 2012 from Dancing Lemur Press. I can't wait!

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67 comments:

  1. dolorahDecember 13, 2011 at 10:49 PM

    Wow, this is the first time I've seen the CassaFire trailer. Excellent.

    Awesome interview Melissa. You dug up some interesting facts on Alex.

    Thanks for sharing more of yourself Alex. Always a pleasure to read your interviews.

    .......dhole

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 14, 2011 at 2:50 AM

    Thank you, Donna!

    And thanks again, Melissa! Appreciate the opportunity. And the Kermit the Frog welcome!

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownDecember 14, 2011 at 4:07 AM

    @Donna Thank you! The captain was a tough nut to crack, but I managed. ;) Glad you enjoyed the interview.

    Isn't that trailer the coolest? I watched it a couple times after I posted.

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownDecember 14, 2011 at 4:10 AM

    @Alex You are most welcome! Kermit's intros were always so enthusiastic, I had to do it. :) Thank you for the terrific interview and helping me kick off my b-day festivities. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jeremy [Retro]December 14, 2011 at 4:35 AM

    trailer looks awesome... loving your q and a, especially the rock out music. i think that makes or breaks the mood... alex we need to discuss which rush songs are the best for cassafire. mb... you rock to any song.

    Jeremy [Retro-Zombie]
    Visit The Madness:
    IZOMBIE

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownDecember 14, 2011 at 4:47 AM

    @iZombie Aww thanks, Jeremy! Glad you liked the q & a, Rush is indeed awesome soundtrack music.

    ReplyDelete
  7. JulesDecember 14, 2011 at 5:05 AM

    Another, way cool interview Melissa. Alex, me too. Have to have the tunes. :)
    Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

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  8. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comDecember 14, 2011 at 5:38 AM

    Glad that Captain won't be moving in the hard tech direction.

    Great interview. You're both stars.
    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  9. SuzeDecember 14, 2011 at 5:45 AM

    'When I found the original version of CassaStar a few years ago, I realized that while the storyline sucked the characters were strong. I decided to go for it and rewrote the entire story.'

    Found this cool and interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Luanne G. SmithDecember 14, 2011 at 6:08 AM

    "Don't overthink it -- just write."

    I need to take that advice.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Little Pickle PressDecember 14, 2011 at 6:20 AM

    Happy Birthday, Melissa! I hope that all of your birthday wishes come true. Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Marta SzemikDecember 14, 2011 at 6:36 AM

    Great interview, thank you Melissa and Happy Birthday. Bachelor of Fine Arts, wow! Cool! I always thought those were the creative geniuses at school.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 14, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Jeremy, let me check my collection and I'll get back to you...

    Robyn, I won't, promise!

    Suze, that's how it happened.

    ReplyDelete
  14. AnonymousDecember 14, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I love the promotional side of the business. I love meeting new people and receiving emails from strangers around the world. This is a pretty cool world we live in where we can communicate world-wide in real time!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Johanna GarthDecember 14, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    Alex, I love that you didn't expect strangers to read your book. I feel the same way! Wait, who is that reading now? How can you read it when I don't even know you!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Lynda R Young as Elle CardyDecember 14, 2011 at 1:06 PM

    Fabulous interview, Melissa, and great advice, Alex :)

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  17. CiaraDecember 14, 2011 at 1:20 PM

    You know I'm excited about your book. I 'liked' your trailer on You Tube.

    ReplyDelete
  18. M PaxDecember 14, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Happy early birthday, Melissa :) I voted for you at 411.

    Looking forward to Cassafire's release, Alex.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Cate MastersDecember 14, 2011 at 1:40 PM

    Wonderful interview, guys! I love that you reworked an old story, Alex. I've seen the trailer before, but watched it again because it's awesome. :)
    Happy birthday, Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague SikesDecember 14, 2011 at 2:11 PM

    Enjoyed the interview and watching the trailer again! Congratulations, Alex, and thanks, Melissa, for the great interview!

    Monti
    Mary Montague Sikes

    ReplyDelete
  21. Margo KellyDecember 14, 2011 at 3:19 PM

    Great interview!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 14, 2011 at 3:39 PM

    Stephen it is!

    Johanna, exactly!

    Ciara, thank you.

    Thanks, Mary!

    Cate, it needed a lot of reworking...

    Thank you, everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Mel ChesleyDecember 14, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    I just wanna stop by and say Woohoo! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  24. Mel ChesleyDecember 14, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    AND Happy Birthday!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Golden EagleDecember 14, 2011 at 3:56 PM

    Great writing advice.

    Enjoyed reading this interview!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Empty Nest InsiderDecember 14, 2011 at 4:15 PM

    Melissa and Alex make a great team!
    I really enjoyed the interview. Happy Almost Birthday Melissa!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Susan Gourley/KelleyDecember 14, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    I love that trailer. I like music to write by too. Can't wait until Cassafire.

    ReplyDelete
  28. msmariahDecember 14, 2011 at 8:32 PM

    Yay Captain Ninja! Fantastic interview Melissa.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Craig EdwardsDecember 14, 2011 at 8:58 PM

    Great interview! After the holidays pass and things calm, I'll be picking me up some CassaStar! Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Maynard MorrisseyDecember 14, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Excellent and highly interesting review!

    oh btw, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELISSA!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    @Jules Thanks! I love the tunes myself.

    ReplyDelete
  32. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    @Robyn Aww...thank you! Space Opera rules. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    @Suze, I liked that part, too. :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    @L.G. I need to heed that advice myself. :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:23 AM

    @Little Pickle Thank you so much!! Your kind thoughts mean a lot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:24 AM

    @Marta Thank you so much. Glad you enjoyed the interview. :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    @Stephen I agree. We live in an amazing world. I love all the people I've met through blogging, etc.

    ReplyDelete
  38. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    @Johanna I loved that part of Alex's response too. I still find it hard to believe people I don't know are reading my stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  39. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    @Lynda Thank you so much. Alex definitely passed along some wise words.

    ReplyDelete
  40. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    @Ciara I just loved this trailer. I had to go re-watch the CassaStar one, too.

    ReplyDelete
  41. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    @MPax Thank you so much!! Your support is very much appreciated. You rock!

    ReplyDelete
  42. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    @Cate Thank you so much! I'm so glad you liked the interview. :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    @Monti Thank you very much! Happy you enjoyed the interview. :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    @Margo Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:35 AM

    @Caledonia Thank you so much! It is always a pleasure to hear from you. :)

    ReplyDelete
  46. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:44 AM

    @Golden Eagle I'm happy you enjoyed the interview. Alex was a great subject.

    ReplyDelete
  47. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:45 AM

    @Empty Nest Thank you!! Alex was definitely an awesome interview subject.

    ReplyDelete
  48. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:46 AM

    @Susan I can't wait for CassaFire, either. It's going to be epic. And I love writing to music as well.

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:48 AM

    @msmariah Thank you! Ales is a terrific interviewee, I must say. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  50. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    @Craig Thanks! I think you will enjoy CassaStar very much and CassaFire will be just as awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  51. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    @Maynard Thank you so much!! I'm happy you thought so highly of the interview as you have some incredible interview skills yourself. And I love the b-day wishes, my friend. Thanks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 15, 2011 at 4:04 AM

    Thanks, Julie!

    Susan, thanks!

    Craig, that would be awesome!

    Thank you, Maynard.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Robyn CampbellDecember 15, 2011 at 5:04 AM

    *claps in awesome Kermit fashion* Super interview. That trailer is, well, awesome just does not do it justice. Fantastical, excellent, wonderful, awesomely done, maybe. Loved it. Trailers are tough little buggers. I should know. *sigh*

    CassaStar is an all time favorite of mine now. I cannot wait for CassaFire.

    BTW, that piece of advice is the best thing you could have said. Too many over think and over analyze their writing to the point where they aren't having fun. Thanks for the interview, Melissa. *waving*

    ReplyDelete
  54. Patricia StolteyDecember 15, 2011 at 9:14 AM

    Excellent interview, Melissa.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 15, 2011 at 9:15 AM

    Thank you, Robyn! I am truly honored. I hope CassaFire doesn't let you down.

    ReplyDelete
  56. ali crossDecember 15, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    That trailer was so cool! And I loved this interview. I learned some new things about the Captain!

    ReplyDelete
  57. J.C. MartinDecember 15, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    Great interview! Athee sounds like my kinda girl! :)

    ReplyDelete
  58. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 15, 2011 at 5:41 PM

    Ali, after all this time, glad I could surprise you!

    JC, she is really tough and feisty!

    ReplyDelete
  59. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:07 PM

    @Robyn I'm so happy you enjoyed the interview. I agree with you about Alex's advice. Too much thinking and it ruins the fun.

    ReplyDelete
  60. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    @Patricia Thank you so much. :)

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:09 PM

    @Ali Glad you liked the interview. Alex was certainly a very interesting subject and a great interviewee.

    ReplyDelete
  62. UnknownDecember 15, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    @J.C. Thanks! I know Athee is a kick butt woman I know I'm going to love.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Jennie BaileyDecember 15, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    GREAT interview, Melissa, and thank you for including the trailer! Still loving that cover - and the trailer just as much!

    ReplyDelete
  64. EllaDecember 16, 2011 at 9:57 PM

    Great interview you two! I loved we learned a bit more about the Captain!
    I knew Melissa would get you to talk :D

    Happy Birthday Melissa, I hope it was as fabulous, as you are~
    @>----

    ReplyDelete
  65. Alex J. CavanaughDecember 17, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Jennie, thanks!

    Ella, I cracked under pressure...

    Thanks again, Melissa.

    ReplyDelete
  66. UnknownDecember 19, 2011 at 4:18 AM

    @Jennie Thank you so much! I am blown away by the trailer myself. It looks completely amazing and definitely would have me wanting to buy the book if I knew nothing about it.

    ReplyDelete
  67. UnknownDecember 19, 2011 at 4:20 AM

    @Ella Aww... Thank you! Captain Alex was an awesome interviewee.

    And thank you also for the wonderful birthday wishes. :)

    ReplyDelete

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